UC Davis

Background

Few studies have evaluated the use and outcomes of inferior vena cava filters (IVCF) insertion in cancer patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).

Methods

Hospital records of patients with a principal diagnosis of lower extremity DVT and/or PE and cancer in California between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2009 were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with IVCF use and propensity matched methodology was used to determine the effect of IVCF insertion on clinical outcomes.

Results

An IVCF was placed in 19.6% of 14,000 cancer patients and VTE. This varied widely across hospitals, from 0% to 52%, and by cancer type. The strongest predictors of IVCF use were a diagnosis of brain cancer (OR=4.6, CI: 3.7-5.6), undergoing major surgery (OR=4.9, CI: 3.9-6.1), and bleeding (OR=2.7, CI: 2.0-3.5). Only 21% of patients with IVCF had a strong contraindication to anticoagulation (bleeding or major surgery). There was no benefit for 30-day mortality and no reduction in subsequent PE (+/-DVT). Additionally, there was 60% increased risk of recurrent DVT and 20% increased risk of subsequent bleeding when an IVCF was placed.

Conclusions

An IVCF was placed in approximately 20% of acute VTE patients with cancer and use varied widely between hospitals and cancer types. Most patients did not have a contraindication for anticoagulation. There was no benefit in short-term mortality or risk of PE; there was increased risk of DVT and subsequent bleeding.